Pull type frictional resistance exercising device

ABSTRACT

An exercising apparatus having a rotatable member to which a braking moment is frictionally applied so that tension will be developed in flexible members which are wound on the rotatable member and which are operable for alternately rotating the latter in opposite directions.

United States Patent Hepburn [451 Sept. 12, 1972 1 PULL TYPE FRICTIONAL 1,139,126 5/1915 Kerns ..272/79 D RESISTANCE EXERCISING DEVICE 1,868,262 7/1932 Stale-y ..272/79 R [72] Inventor: Doublas I. Hepburn, 1390 Southwest Marine Drive, Van- Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinltham couver, British Columbia, Canada Assistant Examiner-William R. Browne Attorney-Lyle Trorey [21] Appl. N05 136,104 7 ABSTRACT An exercising apparatus having a rotatable member to "272/79 which a braking moment is frictionally applied so that [58] Field "Zn/79R 3 DIG 4 tension will be developed in flexible members which 272/57 72 are wound on the rotatable member and which are operable for alternately rotating the latter in opposite [56] References Cited directions.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 18,967 5/1894 Poole ..272/83 A 6 Clam, 3

PATENTEDSEP 12 I972 SHEET 2 OF- 2 PULL TYPE FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE EXERCISING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to exercising apparatus and in particular to exercising apparatus of a portable nature which simulates exercises obtained with the use of dumbells, barbells and the like.

It is appreciated that varied types of exercising apparatus have heretofore been developed. However, they have, in the main, employed spring or weightloaded mechanisms to develop the required reactive forces.

Those types of exercising apparatus employing spring-loaded mechanism can be constructed so as to be highly portable, however they do not, when used, simulate the forces obtained by barbells and dumbells as reactive force of the springs employed is not con stant.

' Those typ s employing weight-loaded mechanisms, although being capable of simulating the exercises obtainable by barbells and the like, are too heavy to be easily transportable and consequently are only suitable for use in gymnasia and other like locations. Both of the afore-mentioned types, are therefore, not entirely satisfactory exercising apparatus for weight lifters who must do considerable travelling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides exercising apparatus which is light and relatively small, and, therefore, is highly transportable.

The present invention furthermore provides exercising apparatus which although being light, is durable and is also easily adjustable so as to suit the reactive demands of exercisers having widely varied weight lifting capabilities.

The exercising apparatus of the present invention furthermore, is capable of being manufacturedat relatively low cost so as not to preclude its use by one of limited means.

The present exercising device includes a base structure having a rotatable member mounted thereon. A pair of flexible tension elements are operably connected to the rotatable member for rotating the latter, alternately, in opposite directions. Means for adjustably applying a braking moment to the rotatable member tend to resist rotation thereof so as to develop a tension in the tension elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the exercising apparatus with portions thereof broken away,

FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. I

FIG. 3 is an enlarged central sectional end view of a portion of another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is illustrated one embodiment of the exercising apparatus. Apparatus 10 includes a base structure 11, comprising a fixed member being base block 12 and a movable member being brake block 13. Both blocks carry friction elements 14 which impose a braking moment on a rotatable member 15, the latter being rotatably operated by force applied by a person taking exercise on a pair of flexible tension elements 16 and 17 operably connected to said rotatable member.

The base block 12 is of a generally longitudinally elongated rectangular shape having an upper surface 18 and a lower surface 19. A way 20, having a rectangular cross-sectional configuration, extends longitudinally and centrally of the base block 12 and opens out of the lower surface 19. The rectangular configuration of the way 20, it is seen, provides a pair of parallel sidewalls 21 and 22 and flat bottom wall 23. A groove 25 of semi-circular cros-sectional configuration is formed in the bottom wall 23, extending centrally thereof and from end to end of the base block.

The brake block 13, which is the same length as the base block l2, hasa rectangular cross-sectional configuration having an upper surface 26 anda lower surface27, and slidably but non-rotatably fits within the way 20. A groove 28, of semi-circular configuration extends longitudinally of the upper surface 26 of the brake block and centrally thereof, so that when the brake block is fitted inthe way 20, the grooves 25 and 28 complement each other.

The bottom wall 23 of the way 20 and upper surface 26 of the base block 12 are fitted with the frictional elements 14. These frictional elements which are formed of a fibrous material such as leather, are arranged in complementally disposed pairs adjacent opposite ends of the base block and brake block. Each of the friction elements is sufficiently wide so that it fits in its as sociated groove and conforms to the shape of the latter. Each of said frictional elements has a marginal side edge portion 29. Metallic restraining strips 30 are fitted over these marginal side edge portions 29 and nails or screws 31 are driven through both the strips 30 and side edge portions 29 into the blocks 12 and 13.

Both blocks 12 and 13 are provided with vertically extending passages 32 and 33 which are located, intermediately, between the ends of said blocks, but offset to one side of the grooves 25 and 28. These passages 32, rotatably and slidablyreceive the shank 34 of a bolt 35, the latter having a head 36 at :its upper end which bears upon a washer 37 non-rotatably secured to the upper surface 18 of the base block 12 by means of a screw 38. The bolt 35 is threaded at its end opposite its head end to receive a nut 39 which non-rotatably fits in a socket 40 formed in the lower surface 27 of the brake block at a lower end of the passage 33. The bolt head 36 is provided with a transversely extending operating handle 41.

The rotatable member 15 includes an elongated cylindrical shaft 42, which is tubular so as to be relatively light and which has a smooth outer surface 43. Pulleys 44 and 45 are non-rotatably secured to the opposite ends of said shaft 42. The shaft rotatably fits between the complementary pairs of friction elements 14 and its length is such that it extends beyond both ends of said base structure.

The pulleys 44 and 45 are each of tubular construction and have a press fist over ends of shaft 42 and are non-rotatably secured thereto by means of screws which are passed radially through the pulleys and holes 47 formed in the shaft 42 adjacent the ends of the latter. The pulleys can have a smooth outer surface however it is preferred that each pulley has a helically extending groove 48 (shown only partially) formed in its outer surface.

The tension elements 16 and 17, which are lengths of nylon cable, are extended through holes 49 formed in the pulleys and are knotted as at 50 to prevent their withdrawal through said holes. Handles 51 and 52 are also secured to the tension elements 16 and 17. These handles are identical and each includes a tubular handgrip 53 having a hole, not shown, adjacent one end through which the tension element is threaded, the latter being knotted as at 54 to prevent its withdrawal from said handgrip. Each handle also includes a U- shaped stirrup 55, each stirrup having a base 56 and spaced apart legs 57. Each of the legs of each of the stirrups extends through suitable slots, not shown, in the handgrips 53, and is secured in position as by bolts 58. The base 56 of each of the stirrups has a centrally located aperture formed therethrough, through which the tension element, to which it is connected, extends. This construction maintains the tension elements free of the hands of a person intending to take exercises when he grasps the handgrips S3.

In order to provide the apparatus with an eyepleasing appearance and to provide a measure of safety to both the user and the quarters in which the exercising apparatus is to be used, both the upper and lower surfaces 18 and 19 of the base block are covered with shock-absorbent material 60 and 61, respectively, material 60 being ribbed so as to provide a non-slip tread. Apertured end plates 62 and 63 are secured to the base block 12, over the shaft 42. These end plates which are formed of metal sheeting also prevent drag of the pulleys against either of the ends of the base block or brake block in the event that the shaft 42 shifts longitudinally during operation of apparatus 10. The base block is also provided with an outer side edge cover 64 and plugs 65 and 66 are fitted to both the pulleys and handgrips.

In setting up exercising apparatus 10 for use, the brake block is tightened against the shaft 42 by rotating the head 36 of the bolt 35 in the appropriate direction. The tension elements 16 and 17 are then wound, in opposite directions, on their associated'pulleys. The tension cables naturally follow the helical grooves 48 formed in the pulleys so that the tension elements themselves form helices to prevent the individual convolutions being wrapped one on top of the other. The individual desiring to take exercise then sits, stands or kneels on the base block and grasps the handles, one in each hand. He can then alternately move the handles away from the base block against the resistance offered by the friction elements 14 to rotation of the shaft 42. As he moves one of the handles and reels off the tension element associated therewith from its associated pulley, the other tension element is wound on its associated pulley.

It will be evident that a braking moment M developed by the engagement of the frictional elements 14 with the shaft 42 is dependent upon the extent of tightening of bolt 35. To rotate, for instance, pulley 44, it is required that the tension element 16 be pulled outwards to develop a tension T is said tension element sufiicient to overcome the braking moment M. Where D is the mean diameter of the helix of the tension element 14 on the pulley, rotation will commence when T exceeds 2M/D. Since D is constant, and M is a function of the force urging the friction elements against the rotating shaft, a scale 70 is provided on the washer, in terms of T, suitably in pounds or kilograms. Thus, with the operating handle 41 set at, say 100 pounds, the tension element 16 will commence to unwind when.T just exceeds this value, simulating a lift of a 100 pound weight. Since the washer is nonrotatably affixed to the base block by the screw or nail 38, it is an easy matter for the scale to be angularly reoriented to compensate for the wear of the friction elements 14.

It will also be evident that having regard to the wide variation of the braking moment available by suitable setting of the operating handle 41, apparatus 10 can be adjusted to suit the muscular capabilities of any individual wishing to take exercise.

FIG. 3 illustrates, partially, another embodiment of the exercising apparatus. Apparatus 80 is substantially the same as apparatus 10 having a base block 81, brake block 82, and friction elements 83, similar to their counterparts 12, 13 and 14, respectively, of apparatus 10. A rotatable shaft 84, similar to its counterpart 42 of apparatus 10 is rotatably operated in the same manner as shaft Apparatus 80 differs from apparatus 10 only in the manner in which the brake block 82 is moved relative to base block 81.

In apparatus 80, a U-bolt 85 is extended through the brake block so as to straddle the shaft 84. Nuts are applied to threaded ends 87 of the U-bolt and an eyebolt 88 linked with the U-bolt extends upwards through a passage 89 formed in the base block and through a washer 90 which corresponds to washer 37 of apparatus l0. Eyebolt 88 is threaded as at 91 to threadily engage an operating nut 92, the latter having a pointer 93 by means of which a user can set the braking moment in accordance with a graduated scale marked on washer 90.

In operation, apparatus 80 is identical to apparatus 10. However, exercising apparatus constructed in the manner apparatus 80 is preferred where exercising is to be undertaken by extremely string individuals, as the use of the U-bolt and eyebolt connection permits a greater frictional force to be applied by the friction elements 83 than is possible with apparatus constructed in the manner of apparatus 10.

What is claimed is:

1. Exercising apparatus including:

a. a base block having a longitudinally extending rectangular way in its undersurface, the way having an upper wall which is substantially horizontal,

b. a non-rotatable rectangular brake block slidably fitting in the way and having its upper surface engaging the under side of said upper wall,

c. complemental friction elements secured respectively, to the under surface the upper wall of said base block and said the upper surface of said brake block,

d. a rotatable member mounted between the base block and the brake block, said member having a braking surface engageable with said friction elements,

rotatable member is a cylindrical shaft having axially disposed pulleys non-rotatably mounted at opposite ends thereof.

e. a pair of flexible tension elements operably connected to the respective opposite ends of the rotatable member for rotating the latter, alternately, in opposite directions,

f. and means connecting the base and brake blocks 5 for forcing the frictional elements into frictional engagement with the rotatable member so as to develope a braking moment against the rotation of the rotatable member during the rotation of the rotatable member by a user during an exercise program, and said means connecting the base and the brake blocks being adjustable so as to vary the braking moment.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which the flexible tension members are cables wound on the pulleys,

each of said pulleys having an axially extending helical groove formed thereon for seating one of said cables.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the friction elements are formed of flexible fibrous material and fit in complementary grooves formed in the under surface of the upper wall and the upper surface of the base and brake blocks, respectively.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the means connecting the base and brake blocks includes bolt means extending through the base and brake blocks.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the means connecting the base and brake blocks includes a U-bolt straddling the rotatable member and connected to the brake block, and eyebolt connected to the U-bolt slidably extending through the base block and a nut engaging the eyebolt and bearing on the base block. 

1. Exercising apparatus including: a. a base block having a longitudinally extending rectangular way in its undersurface, the way having an upper wall which is substantially horizontal, b. a non-rotatable rectangular brake block slidably fitting in the way and having its upper surface engaging the under side of said upper wall, c. complemental friction elements secured respectively, to the under surface the upper wall of said base block and said the upper surface of said brake block, d. a rotatable member mounted between the base block and the brake block, said member having a braking surface engageable with said friction elements, e. a pair of flexible tension elements operably connected to the respective opposite ends of the rotatable member for rotating the latter, alternately, in opposite directions, f. and means connecting the base and brake blocks for forcing the frictional elements into frictional engagement with the rotatable member so as to develope a braking moment against the rotation of the rotatable member during the rotation of the rotatable member by a user during an exercise program, and said means connecting the base and the brake blocks being adjustable so as to vary the braking moment.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the rotatable member is a cylindrical shaft having axially disposed pulleys non-rotatably mounted at opposite ends thereof.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which the flexible tension members are cables wound on the pulleys, each of said pulleys having an axially extending helical groove formed thereon for seating one of said cables.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the friction elements are formed of flexible fibrous material and fit in complementary grooves formed in the under surface of the upper wall and the upper surface of the base and brake blocks, respectively.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the means connecting the base and brake blocks includes bolt means extending through the base and brake blocks.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which the means connecting the base and brake blocks includes a U-bolt straddling the rotatable member and connected to the brake block, and eyebolt connected to the U-bolt slidably extending through the base block and a nut engaging the eyebolt and bearing on the base block. 